July 28 - Session 1 - Dube - Geography / Early East Asia - Evaluations

[Anonymous]

What really caught my attention was the advanced nautical technology of early China. We are always under the belief that in 1492 , Columbus sailed the ocean blue with the greatest ships of the time. In fact, there is a definiate misconception, at least to me, that ALL things European are superior. This WAS NOT the case, in fact in 1433, Zheng He was traveling in boats almost four times bigger than Columbus's, who set sail over a century later!! Why you ask does Europe get all the Nautical glory? Well internal conflicts and travel restrictions was the primary reason. Too bad the Imperial court didn't keep the animal hunt for the royal court going!
😐 :~ =:O

Summary:
Zheng He, 1371-1433
Large boats 4x bigger than Columbus who set sail a century later
Large boats eventually banned b/c of internal conflict
Only purpose was to get exotic animals to the imperial court (Africa)

[Anonymous]

I agree with Caroline in her analysis. The satellite geographic maps do grab the viewer and students would be more inclined to discuss what they see. Also, good connection of the "mandate of heaven" and "divine right." Both Asian and European have religion as a means to support their right to rule. Interesting how many connections are found between historical Asian societies and historical European societies. Why don't our educational system and news agencies focus on our similarities to bridge the cultural divide between various countries?

[Anonymous]

I found this session on geography, and especially population density and an aging population, to be extremely interesting. I always knew that Japan and China had challenges due to population, but I had no idea that Korea also faced increasing population problems. I'd love to explore these problems with my students (Ideally at the end of the year, after the STAR test, when we have the opportunity to look in-depth a issues facing countries today.) In retrospect, the last session on Modern China, brought us back to full-circle with the discussion of abnormally high numbers of male infants being born and the governments past and present role in family planning.

[Author]

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